The Grand Mubarak Port has taken a giant step with a new agreement between China and Kuwait. Beijing’s China Harbour Engineering Company, the subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), signed an early contractor involvement (ECI) deal with Kuwait. The move is to speed up the subsequent phases of construction of Grand Mubarak Port. The agreement entails various technical aspects, including surveying, hydrological monitoring, and geophysical investigation.
It also includes the process simulation, initial design, and site management. Its start was in April, with representatives from both countries’ high levels in attendance. In particular, Vice-Minister Fu Xuyin and Ambassador Zhang Jianwei were in attendance on behalf of China. Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works, Nora Mohammad Al-Mashaan, was also present. The agreement is a product of years of cooperation. In January last year, CCCC’s bid to oversee each stage of the port was endorsed by Kuwait’s cabinet. Moreover, a 2023 memorandum of understanding further consolidated bilateral commitment to the Grand Mubarak Port project.
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Scope of Implementation on Kuwait’s Grand Mubarak Port
The scope of phase two of Grand Mubarak Port is extensive. It consists of new loading and unloading facilities, quay wall construction, and land reclamation. Furthermore, a container yard, terminal buildings, and associated infrastructure will be built. Basic security and safety systems will also be fitted. These are required to start port operations because phase one did not cover key equipment.
Completed in 2014 at a cost of $1.2 billion, phase one only included marina works, berths, and administrative buildings. Now, the completion of phase two will witness the port coming to life. A third phase is also in the pipeline, which will further boost capacity. All this is part of Kuwait’s broader national plans. It was in September 2023 that the country signed multiple strategic development agreements through 2028. As a result, Chinese businesses are strongly positioned to play a leading role in the Kuwait Master Plan 2040. Grand Mubarak Port now features prominently in this long-term plan.
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